December 18, 2020 10:50 a.m. 

Douglas County Commissioners are supporting a business reopening plan recently submitted to state officials by the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce.

A release said the Board is encouraging public officials as well as local chambers, councils and business leaders to join in that support.

Commissioner Tom Kress said “As fellow citizens and business owners, we share in the frustration that our local businesses, families and residents are dealing with”. Kress said, the last nine months have been challenging to say the least, and “..now more than ever before our local businesses need your support, and a united front backing them with a solid, productive plan that will provide relief and a future for their livelihoods”.

The release said while there have been some loans available from different levels of government, there is simply not enough funding to go around or really help businesses “…survive this storm”.

The statement from OSCC said “Local businesses need to be made whole and they need to be able to re-open for business now”. The organization is also calling for a $75 million Hospitality Relief fund dedicated to helping restaurants and the hospitality business recover. They also asked for a moratorium on new or increased taxes and fees at the state and local level. The OSCC is seeking a short-term tax credit for property owners that are willing to waive debt for commercial tenants that are behind on rent. The complete OSCC statement is linked: https://oregoncatalyst.com/50609-oregon-chamber-offers-bold-business-reopen-plan.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook&fbclid=IwAR0CjVKiKiSKOSonUDmmEdyixmCEZTEbDpY6CuGYbhonnjbhzD2FAfBNrS4